The Apotheosis of St Martin
1756
oil
From the collection of Fitzwilliam Museum
1756
oil
From the collection of Fitzwilliam Museum
This painting depicts a dramatic scene with a man in white robes, possibly a saint, surrounded by angels and cherubs. The man is shown with his arms outstretched, and the angels are flying around him, some holding objects. The scene is set against a backdrop of clouds and blue sky, with rays of light shining down. The overall effect is one of movement and energy, with the figures in the painting appearing to be in motion. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth, adds to the dramatic effect of the painting.